Arsenal have secured a major coup by finalising a new long-term contract for their star forward Bukayo Saka. The deal, which is set to run until the summer of 2032, will see the England international become one of the highest-paid players in the club's illustrious history.
A Landmark Deal for a Homegrown Hero
The new agreement represents a significant upgrade on the contract Saka signed in May 2023, which was worth approximately £200,000 per week. The fresh terms are understood to elevate his earnings to around £300,000 weekly, pushing his annual salary beyond the £15 million mark. This places the 24-year-old in an elite bracket, underlining his immense value to Mikel Arteta's project. Currently, Kai Havertz is believed to be the squad's top earner on £280,000 a week, a figure Saka will now surpass.
Saka, who joined Arsenal's academy as a seven-year-old, has spent his entire career with the Gunners. This new commitment means he will be approaching his 30th birthday when the contract expires, signalling his intent to build a lasting legacy at the Emirates Stadium. Sporting director Andrea Berta had made tying down the Hale End graduate a top priority, following the extensions of Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly last year.
Arteta's Delight and Careful Management
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his hope for this outcome back in September, stating he was confident the player was "extremely happy and proud" at the club. Saka's importance is undeniable; he has been instrumental in Arsenal's recent form, which has seen them open a six-point lead at the Premier League summit. His minutes have been managed judiciously since a minor hamstring issue in August, with recent bench appearances against Club Brugge, Brentford, and Bournemouth.
The arrival of Noni Madueke from Chelsea has provided valuable cover on the right flank, allowing for this careful rotation. Saka himself had hinted at his desire to stay before April's Champions League quarter-final victory over Real Madrid, saying he wanted to "win wearing this badge," while also noting he was in "no rush" over a new deal.
Future Business: Rice Reward and Guéhi Interest
Arsenal's focus on securing their core assets does not stop with Saka. The club is also keen to reward midfielder Declan Rice with an improved contract, recognising his growing influence since his £105 million move from West Ham in 2023. Rice currently has a five-year deal with an option for a further twelve months.
In terms of potential new signings, Arsenal's interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi is more likely to culminate in the summer when his contract expires. Although Manchester City have shown interest this January, Palace value him at around £40 million. Arsenal have joined Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid as suitors hoping to secure his signature on a free transfer at the end of the season.
This new deal for Bukayo Saka is a powerful statement of intent from Arsenal, securing the future of their most prized asset and a symbol of the club's identity as they chase the game's biggest honours.
